Antidepressant 2-amino-and-2-(substituted amino)-cis-hexahydro-carbazoles, compositions and use

ABSTRACT

2-Amino- and 2-(substituted amino)-tetrahydro- and -cis-hexahydro-carbazoles useful for alleviating depression in mammals or as intermediate compounds thereto.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 887,779, filed Mar. 17, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,134.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tetrahydrocarbazoles and cis-hexahydrocarbazoles useful as antidepressant agents and intermediates thereto.

Mooradian in U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,309, discloses analgetic and psychotropic activity for compounds such as ##STR1##

Mooradian et al., [J. Med. Chem. 18, 640 (1975)], discloses that compounds such as ##STR2## produce cardiotonic effects in dogs.

Canas-Rodriguez, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,711 discloses antidepressant activity for compounds such as ##STR3##

Mental illnesses include psychoses and neuroses. The symptoms requiring treatment include depression, anxiety, agitation and hallucinations. Drugs used particularly for treatment of both reactive and endogenous depressions include monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as tranylcypromine, nialamide, phenelzine and pargyline and the non-MAO inhibiting tricyclic aromatic dibenzazepines such as imipramine and dibenzocycloheptenes such as amitriptyline.

All of these drugs have side effects that limit their usefulness. The MAO inhibitors may cause tremors, insomnia, hyperhydrosis, agitation, hypermanic behaviour, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, orthostatic hypertension and death. They frequently cause dizziness, vertigo, headache, inhibition of ejaculation, difficulty in urination, weakness, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision. Imipramine may cause blurred vision, dryness of mouth, constipation, urinary retention, orthostatic hypotension, respiration depression, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. Similar difficulties are experienced with amitriptyline.

The present invention results from efforts to develop new psychotherapeutic compounds which are effective and have minimal side effects. These compounds can be more effective in treating depression than presently available drugs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to compounds of Formulae I and II and pharmaceutically suitable salts thereof, processes for their manufacture, compositions containing specific compounds of Formulae I and II or their salts, and methods of using specific compounds of Formulae I and II or their salts to alleviate depression in mammals. ##STR4## wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, or ##STR5## where R is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, methoxy or ethoxy; R₂ is hydrogen or methyl;

R₃ is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl;

Y₁ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, hydroxy, methyl, benzyloxy or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy;

Y₂ is hydrogen or chlorine;

with the proviso that Y₂ can be chlorine only when Y₁ is chlorine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Compounds with Antidepressant Utility

Compounds with antidepressant utility include the compounds of Formula I; also, the compounds of Formula II (referred to as IIa) which have this utility are where:

R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, or ##STR6## where R is methyl or ethoxy; R₂ is hydrogen or methyl, provided when R₁ is ##STR7## and R is methyl, then R₂ is hydrogen; R₃ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

Y₁ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, benzyloxy or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy;

Y₂ is hydrogen or chlorine;

with the proviso that Y₂ can be chlorine only when Y₁ is chlorine.

Preferred Compounds

Compounds preferred because of their high degree of antidepressant activity are those compounds of Formula I wherein

R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or ##STR8## where R is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, methoxy or ethoxy; or R₂ is hydrogen; or

R₃ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; or

Y₁ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; or

Y₂ is hydrogen.

Also preferred are those compounds of Formula IIa where

R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or ##STR9## where R is methyl or ethoxy; or R₂ is hydrogen; or

R₃ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; or

Y₁ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; or

Y₂ is hydrogen.

More preferred are those compounds of Formulae I and IIa where R₁, R₂, R₃, and Y₁ have the preferred definitions. Most preferred are those compounds of Formulae I and IIa where

R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or ##STR10## where R is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, methoxy or ethoxy, except that in Formula IIa R is limited to methyl or ethoxy;

R₂ is hydrogen;

R₃ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

Y₁ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; and

Y₂ is hydrogen.

Nomenclature

Formulae I and II encompass tetrahydro- and hexahydro- derivatives of the carbazole ring system ##STR11##

Typical examples of nomenclature for the compounds of the present invention are given as follows: ##STR12##

Synthesis

Compounds of Formula I are prepared by the reduction of compounds of Formula II wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, Y₁, and Y₂ are as previously defined. ##STR13##

The reduction of tetrahydrocarbazoles to hexahydrocarbazoles is well known in the prior art, e.g., (a) the use of metal-acid mixtures [e.g., tin and hydrochloric acid, cf. B. Robinson, Chem. Rev. 69, 785 (1969)], (b) catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of noble metals and acidic activators [e.g., platinum in ethanolic-aqueous fluoroboric acid, cf. A. Smith, et al., Chem. Commun. 427 (1965)], (c) the use of trimethylamine-borane [cf. J. G. Berger, Synthesis, 508 (1974)], (d) the use of sodium borohydride- or sodium cyanoborohydride-carboxylic acid systems [cf., G. W. Gribble, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 96, 7812 (1974)].

Procedure (d), that of G. W. Gribble, et al., was found to be particularly effective and convenient for the reduction. In this process the compounds of Formula II are dissolved or suspended in a convenient volume of a suitable acidic solvent such as glacial acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, or methanolic hydrogen chloride, followed by the addition of sodium cyanoborohydride (NaBH₃ CN). NaBH₃ CN as obtained from commercial sources is usually hygroscopic and although it can be added to the reaction mixture in its solid form, it is, in practice, convenient to dissolve the reagent in an inert solvent in which it is appreciably soluble such as methyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol and then to add the resulting solution to the reaction mixture in a controlled manner. During the addition of the NaBH₃ CN (either as a solid or in solution) it is desirable to maintain the internal temperature of the reaction mixture at between 0° C. and 50° C. in order to mitigate the exothermicity and effervescence which accompany said addition. The molar ratio of NaBH₃ CN to compound of Formula II is between one and ten. Following the addition of the NaBH₃ CN, the reaction is brought to completion by stirring the mixture at from ambient temperature to 100° C. for between one and twenty-four hours.

The use of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄)-carboxylic acid systems for the alkylation of amines as described by P. Marchini, et al. [J. Org. Chem., 40, 3453 (1975)] provides an effective alternate method for the preparation of compounds of Formula I wherein R₃ is methyl, or ethyl, R₁ is ##STR14## where R, R₂, Y₁ and Y₂ are as previously defined. In this process compounds of Formula I with the constituents as defined, except R₃ is hydrogen, are alkylated on the nitrogen atom at position 9 by treatment ##STR15## with an excess of sodium borohydride and an excess of either formic acid or acetic acid, depending on the alkyl substituent to be introduced, i.e., where R₃ =methyl (Me) or ethyl (Et), respectively. The reaction is carried out at a temperature of from 20° C. to 100° C. either with or without added inert solvent for a period of from one to twenty-four hours. Suitable inert solvents include benzene and tetrahydrofuran.

With respect to the molecular plane passing through carbon atoms 2, 4a, and 9a of compounds of Formula I, the hydrogen atom at position 4a may be spatially oriented on the same side (cis-relationship) or on the opposite side (trans-relationship) of the plane as the hydrogen atom at position 9a. The hexahydrocarbazoles of Formula I produced by the reduction of compounds of Formula II are cis-isomers, that is the hydrogen atoms at positions 4a and 9a are spatially oriented on the same side of the molecular plane passing through carbon atoms 2, 4a, and 9a.

Each of the cis- compounds of Formula I exist in two diastereoisomeric forms by virtue of the asymmetric carbon atom at position 2, and the invention includes the compounds as the separate diastereoisomers, as well as mixtures thereof, as produced by the above methods. The diastereoisomeric forms in turn can be resolved into optically-active dextrorotatory (+) and levorotatory (-) enantiomers by methods known in the art. All of these optical isomers are included within the scope of the invention since they have utility in alleviating depression in mammals.

The compounds of Formula II which serve as useful intermediates for the synthesis of compounds of Formula I and which also, in many cases, possess antidepressant activity themselves, are prepared by the process known in the art as the Fischer Indole Synthesis. Thus, they are obtained by reacting an appropriate phenylhydrazine of Formula III, wherein R₃, Y₁ and Y₂ are as defined in Formula I, with a cyclohexanone derivative of Formula IV, wherein R₁ and R₂ are as defined in Formula I, in an acidic medium, at elevated temperatures, for from about 1/2 hour to 24 hours. The acid cyclizing agent can be an inorganic hydrohalide such as hydrochloric acid or hydrobromic acid or a mineral acid such as phosphoric acid or sulfuric acid, an organic acid such as acetic acid or methanesulfonic acid or a Lewis acid such as boron trifluoride or zinc chloride. The acidic agent should be present in at least one mole in ##STR16## excess per mole of the phenylhydrazine. The reaction is conveniently carried out by heating the reactants in acetic acid at from 80° C. to 120° C. or in ethanolic hydrogen chloride at reflux temperature. The reaction proceeds via the corresponding phenylhydrazone precursor (V) which can be isolated, if desired, by using only a catalytic amount of acid. Subsequent treatment of the phenylhydrazone precursor (V) under acidic conditions, as described above, will effect cyclization to the corresponding tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula II.

The starting materials III and IV are either commercially available, known to the art, or readily preparable by conventional means.

All of the tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula II need not be prepared directly via the Fischer indole reaction. Instead interconversions among these compounds are possible in which one tetrahydrocarbazole of Formula II serves as a precursor for another tetrahydrocarbazole of Formula II. Such transformations are effected by conventional means and include the following:

(1) Dealkylation of phenolic ethers of Formula IX, wherein R, R₂, and R₃ are as defined in Formula II, and R₄ is a methyl or benzyl group, may be carried out by means of ##STR17## Lewis acids under appropriate conditions [cf. E. Haslam, "Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry", J. F. W. McOmie, Ed., Plenum Press, New York, N.Y., 1973, pp. 164-167]. Alternatively, hydrogenolytic conditions may be effectively employed in cleaving benzyl phenolic ethers of Formula IX (i.e., R₄ =C₆ H₅ CH₂) [cf., Idem., ibid., p. 168].

(2) The phenolic tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula X, wherein R, R₂, and R₃ are as defined in Formula II, may, in turn, be O-alkylated by reaction with an alkyl halide, or alkyl sulfate, or alkyl sulfonate, in the presence of a base and a suitable inert solvent [cf., Idem., ibid., p. 149]. The resulting ##STR18## alkoxy tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula XI, wherein R, R₂, and R₃ are as defined in Formula II, are isolated by conventional techniques.

(3) Hydrolysis of compounds of Formula XII, wherein R, R₂, R₃, Y₁ and Y₂ are as defined in Formula II, with standard acidic or basic reagents such as aqueous hydrochloric acid ##STR19## or aqueous-alcoholic sodium hydroxide at reflux temperature provides the amino tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula XIII wherein R₂, R₃, Y₁ and Y₂ are as defined in Formula II [cf., J. W. Barton, ibid., pp. 46-50].

(4) Acyl and urethane-type tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula XIII, wherein R, R₂, R₃, Y₁ and Y₂ are as defined previously, are obtained by reacting a compound of Formula XIII, wherein R₂, R₃, Y₁ and Y₂ are as defined previously, with an acylating agent [cf., Idem., ibid, pp. 46-50]. In those cases where acidic ##STR20## by-products occur, such as hydrogen chloride, the acylation reaction can be conducted in the presence of a standard basic reagent such as sodium hydrogen carbonate or triethylamine. The basic reagents neutralize the acidic by-products which otherwise may have a deleterious effect on the course of the reaction. Suitable acylating agents include formamide, acetyl chloride, acetic anhydride, methyl or ethyl chloroformate, propanoyl chloride, butanoyl chloride, and pentanoyl chloride. Suitable inert solvents for carrying out the acylation reaction include benzene, ether, chloroform, or methylene chloride, or a mixture of one of these solvents with water to produce a two-phase system.

(5) Reduction of amido tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula XIV, wherein R₂, R₃, Y₁, and Y₂ are defined as in Formula II and R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, OCH₃, or OC₂ H₅, is effected by adding the substrate either to a solution or suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) in anhydrous ethyl ether or anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) or mixtures thereof or to a solution of sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy) aluminum hydride in benzene and refluxing the resulting solutions for a period of from one to twenty-four hours. Conventional work-up procedures yield the amino tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula XV, wherein R₂, R₃, Y₁ and Y₂ are defined as in Formula II and R₆ is selected from ##STR21## methyl or ethyl.

(6) Compounds of Formula XVI wherein R and R₂ are defined as in Formula II, and W₁ is a hydrogen, a fluorine, a chlorine, a bromine atom, or a ##STR22## methyl, a benzyloxy, or a C₁ -C₆ alkoxy group and W₂ is a hydrogen or chlorine atom with the proviso that W₂ can be chlorine only when W₁ is chlorine, may be alkylated at the N⁹ -position to yield compounds of Formula XVII, wherein R and R₂ are defined as in Formula II, W₁ and W₂ are defined as in Formula XVI and R₃ is methyl or ethyl. The literature [cf. H. Heaney, et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin 1, 499 (1973) and references therein] teaches a number of methods for obtaining N-alkyl-indoles and N-alkyl-pyrroles from the corresponding unalkylated compounds in satisfactory yields.

Generally, the alkylation process involves reaction of the unalkylated substrate with a basic reagent sufficiently strong to form an anion at the nitrogen atom. Nucleophilic attack of this anion on the subsequently added alkylating agent then completes the reaction.

As applied to the tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula XVI, the procedure of H. Heaney, et al. (loc. cit.) was found to be particularly effective for obtaining N⁹ -alkylated tetrahydrocarbazoles of Formula XVII. Thus, mixing of a compound of Formula XVI with a solution of potassium hydroxide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMS0) formed the N⁹ -anion of the compound of Formula XVI which on subsequent treatment with methyl iodide or ethyl iodide formed the desired products of Formula XVII, wherein R₃ is methyl or ethyl, respectively.

The compounds of Formula II exist in dextroratatory [(+)-] and levorotatory [(-)-] optically active isomeric forms, by virtue of the asymmetric carbon atom at position 2 and the invention includes the compounds in the separated [(+)-] and [(-)-] forms, as well as the racemic [(±)-] mixtures produced by the above methods. Compounds of Formulae I and II can be converted to acid addition salts. Thus appropriate compounds of Formulae I and II form pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts with, for example, both pharmaceutically acceptable organic and inorganic acids, such as acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, methanesulfonic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and the like. Nonpharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of appropriate compounds of Formulae I and II may be useful in purification and isolation procedures and can be converted into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts via conventional metathetic reactions whereby the nonpharmaceutically acceptable anion is replaced by a pharmaceutically acceptable anion; or alternatively, by neutralizing the nonpharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt and then reacting the so-obtained free base with a reagent yielding a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt.

Where the compounds of Formulae I and II contain one basic center, mono addition salts can be obtained by general procedures known to the art. Where the compounds of Formula I contain two basic centers, mono- or di-addition salts can be obtained by general procedures known to the art depending on the relative basicity of such centers and the relative quantities of the reactants and reaction conditions employed in preparing such salts.

Dosage Forms

The antidepressant agents of this invention can be administered as treatment for psychiatric depressions of the reactive and endogenous types by any means that produces contact of the active agent with the agent's site of action in the body of a mammal. They can be administered by any conventional means available for use in conjunction with pharmaceuticals; either as individual therapeutic agents or in a combination of therapeutic agents. They can be administered alone, but are generally administered with a pharmaceutical carrier selected on the basis of the chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The dosage administered will, of course, vary depending upon known factors such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent, and its mode and route of administration; age, health, and weight of the recipient; nature and extent of symptoms, kind of concurrent treatment, frequency of treatment, and the effect desired.

The compounds of this invention will have a therapeutic dose range in man from 0.1 to 50 mg/kg/day; some of the more preferred compounds will have a dose range from 0.5 to 10 mg/kg/day and the most preferred dose range will be from 1 to 5 mg/kg/day.

Dosage forms (compositions) suitable for internal administration contain from about 2.5 milligrams to about 250 milligrams of active ingredient per unit. In these pharmaceutical compositions the active ingredient will ordinarily be present in an amount of about 0.01-90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

The active ingredient can be administered orally in solid dosage forms, such as capsules, tablets, and powders, or in liquid dosage forms, such as elixers, syrups, and suspensions, it can also be administered parenterally, in sterile liquid dosage forms; or rectally in the form of suppositories.

Gelatin capsules contain the active ingredient and powdered carriers, such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol, starch, cellulose derivatives, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and the like. Similar diluents can be used to make compressed tablets. Both tablets and capsules can be manufactured as sustained release products to provide for continuous release of medication over a period of hours. Compressed tablets can be sugar coated or film coated to mask any unpleasant taste and protect the tablet from the atmosphere, or enteric coated for selective disintegration in the gastrointestinal tract.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration can contain coloring and flavoring to increase patient acceptance.

In general, water, a suitable oil, saline, aqueous dextrose (glucose), and related sugar solutions and glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycols are suitable carriers for parenteral solutions. Solutions for parenteral administration contain preferably a water soluble salt of the active ingredient, suitable stabilizing agents, and if necessary, buffer substances. Antioxidizing agents such as sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, or ascorbic acid either alone or combined are suitable stabilizing agents. Also used are citric acid and its salts and sodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). In addition, parenteral solutions can contain preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propyl-paraben, and chlorobutanol.

Suppositories contain the active ingredient in a suitable oleaginous or water-soluble base. The oleaginous class includes cocoa butter and fats with similar properties; the water-soluble class includes polyethylene glycols.

Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, E. W. Martin, a standard reference text in this field.

Useful pharmaceutical dosage-forms for administration of the compounds of this invention can be illustrated as follows:

Capsules

Capsules can be prepared by filling standard twopiece hard gelatin capsules with the following mixture using conventional encapsulating equipment:

    ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient      37.5   mg                                               Lactose                150    mg                                               Talc                   15     mg                                               Magnesium stearate     7.5    mg                                               ______________________________________                                    

Capsules

A mixture of active drug in soy bean oil is prepared and injected by means of a positive displacement pump in gelatin to form soft gelatin capsules containing 37.5 mg of the active ingredient. The capsules are washed in petroleum ether and dried.

Tablets

Tablets can be prepared by conventional procedures so that each unit will contain:

    ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient       37.5   mg                                              Spray dried lactose     200    mg                                              Polyvinyl pyrrolidone   2      mg                                              Microcrystalline cellulose                                                                             30     mg                                              Magnesium stearate      4      mg                                              ______________________________________                                    

Parenteral

A parenteral composition suitable for intra muscular administration is prepared so that each ml contains:

    ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient      37.5 mg                                                 Polysorbate 80         1 mg                                                    Sodium chloride        0.9%                                                    Methylparaben          1 mg                                                    Propylparaben          0.1 mg                                                  Water for Injection Q.S.                                                                              1.0 ml                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Suspension

An aqueous suspension is prepared for oral administration so that each 5 mls contain:

    ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient       37.5 mg                                                Methylcellulose         5%                                                     Carboxy methyl cellulose                                                                               5%                                                     Syrup                   30%                                                    Sorbitol                15%                                                    Sodium Saccharin        2 mg                                                   Butterscotch Flavor     0.2%                                                   Sodium Benzoate         5 mg                                                   Water Q.S.              5 ml                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Use

A standard procedure for detecting and comparing the antidepressant activity of compounds in this series for which there is good correlation with human efficacy is the prevention of tetrabenazine-induced sedation and depression in mice. (Everett, "The Dopa Response Potentiation Test and Its Use in Screening for Antidepressant Drugs", pp. 164-167 in "Antidepressant Drugs" [Proceedings of the First International Symposium], S. Garattini and M. N. G. Dukes, eds., 1967).

Groups of 10 Carworth CF₁ S female mice, 18-21 g each, were fasted 1.5 hours and were intubated with antagonist compounds at oral doses of 0, 5, 25, and 125 mg/kg or 0, 1, 3, 9, 27, and 81 mg/kg in 0.20 ml of 1% Methocel (methylcellulose). The mice were challenged 30 minutes later with tetrabenazine (as the methane-sulfonate), 32 mg/kg intraperitoneally (dissolved in 0.20 ml 0.05 M KCl at pH 2.0). One hour after antagonist (30 minutes after tetrabenazine), the mice were examined for signs of exploratory activity and ptosis (eyelid closure). Normal exploratory activity (relief from sedation) was recorded when a mouse lifted by the tail from a group of 10 in a testing box and placed on a stainless steel testing box lid (12.5"×8" with 0.33" mesh) either turned its head horizontally 30° in both directions or moved to the edge of the screen within 10 seconds after being placed on the screen. Relief from ptosis was recorded when exactly two seconds after placing the mouse facing the observer, lid closure was less than 50% in both eyes.

For comparison, the marketed antidepressant amitriptylene was also tested, and an ED₅₀ (effective dose in 50% of the cases) was determined. The lower the ED₅₀, the better the antidepressant. Results for compounds of this invention are tabulated in Table IV.

The following examples will more fully illustrate the preparation of the compositions of the invention. All temperatures in the examples are given in degrees Centigrade.

EXAMPLE 1 (Table I) N-(cis-1,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide hydrochloride (Compound 1a)

A solution of 5.70 g (0.025 mol) of N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide in 140 ml of glacial HOAc was stirred at room temperature, and, during the course of 5-10 minutes, a solution of 1.57 g (0.025 mol) of NaBH₃ CN in 15 ml of MeOH was added dropwise. The reaction was mildly exothermic with gentle effervescence. After stirring overnight (ca. 16 hr) at room temperature, the glacial HOAc was evaporated and the residue mixed with 150 ml of H₂ O. Conc. HCl was added dropwise (pH 1-2), and, after stirring for 0.5-1 hr, any insolubles were removed by filtration. The clear, colorless filtrate was made basic with excess 50% NaOH, and the product was extracted with CHCl₃. The extracts were washed with H₂ O, dried, evaporated, and the residue recrystallized from i-PrOH to give 3.64 g (70% yield) of white solid, mp 190°-191°.

A solution of the free base in methanol was treated with an excess of hydrogen chloride. Addition of anhydrous ether precipitated the title compound, which, after cooling, was filtered and recrystallized, mp 245°-247°.

In an analogous manner, utilizing the procedure of Example 1, the compounds in Table I were prepared. In the preparation (0.025 mole scale) of 1 g, the glacial HOAc was evaporated and the residue treated with 60 ml of H₂ O. On addition of concentrated HCl to pH 1-2, the hydrochloride salt precipitated directly from the initially clear solution and was isolated by filtration. The ten-fold molar amount of NaBH₃ CN used for the preparation 1×(Table 1) was divided into two equal portions and added 7 hr apart. Stirring was then continued overnight at room temperature.

The compounds described in Table I were characterized and tested for biological activity either as the free bases or their hydrochloride salts (see Formula Column).

EXAMPLE 2 (Table I) N-(cis-9-ethyl-1,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl) acetamide (Compound 1y)

A solution of 9.0 g (0.15 mol) of glacial acetic acid in 75 ml of THF was treated in portions with 1.89 g (0.05 mol) of NaBH₄, the temperature being kept at 20° C. When the evolution of H₂ had ceased (ca. 3 hr), 2.30 g (0.01 mol) of N-(cis-1,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide was added and the resulting solution was refluxed for 3 hr. After cooling, the THF was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃. The CHCl₃ solution was washed with 1 N aq NaOH and then dried over anhydrous K₂ CO₃. Filtration followed by evaporation of the CHCl₃ left a white solid residue which after recrystallization from ethyl acetate-cyclohexane yielded 2.3 g of the title compound, mp 150°-151°.

By substituting formic acid for acetic acid and otherwise utilizing the procedure of Example 2, N -(cis-1,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-9-methyl-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 1o, Table I) can be prepared from N-(cis-1,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide.

EXAMPLE 3 (Table II) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2a)

A stirred solution of 140.9 g (0.909 mol) of N-(3-oxocyclohexyl)acetamide in 900 ml of glacial HOAc was heated at 85°-95° C. while 98.2 g (0.909 mol) of phenylhydrazine was added dropwise during 1 hr. After an additional 3 hr at 95°±5°, the hot solution was poured into 5 l. of H₂ O. When the initially formed gum had solidified, the product was filtered, washed with 2.5 l. of H₂ O, then 2 l. of Et₂ O to give 167.6 g (81%) of a grey solid, mp 203°-206°. Recrystallization was best effected by dissolving the crude solid in boiling Me₂ CO (1 g/25 ml) and boiling down to 1 g/10 ml. The resulting yellow solid (133.5 g, mp 208°-209°) was recrystallized again from Me₂ CO to yield 111.8 g of white solid, mp 208°-209°. To remove Me₂ CO occluded by the crystalline solid, the product was further recrystallized from EtOH, 86% recovery of white solid, mp 208°-209°.

EXAMPLE 4 (Table II) N-(6-fluoro-1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2b)

A mixture of 0.05 mol of 4-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride and 0.05 mol of N-(3-oxocyclohexyl)acetamide in 75 ml of glacial HOAc was stirred and heated on the steam bath. At 80°-90° an exothermic reaction occurred and the source of heat was removed until the temperature had fallen to 85°. After an additional 4-5 hr at 85°-90°, the warm mixture was poured into H₂ O and the gummy insolubles triturated until solid. The filtered solid was washed thoroughly with H₂ O and then with Et₂ O until the washings were essentially colorless. The crude product was recrystallized from ethanol to give the title compound, mp 209°-210°.

By substituting 4-chlorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride, 2-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride, or 3,5-dichlorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride for 4-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride and otherwise utilizing the procedure of Example 4, compounds 2c, 2e, and 2f (Table II), respectively, were prepared.

EXAMPLE 5 (Table II) N-(6-bromo-1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2d)

A solution of 0.05 mol of N-(3-oxocyclohexyl)acetamide in 100 ml of glacial HOAc was stirred and heated at 80° C. while adding during 15-30 minutes a warm solution of 0.05 mol of 4-bromophenylhydrazine hydrochloride in 300 ml of glacial HOAc. After an additional 3 hr at 85°, most of the HOAc was evaporated. The residue was triturated with H₂ O, until solid, the resulting solid was filtered, and recrystallized from ethanol to give the title compound, mp 210°-211°.

By substituting 4-methylphenylhydrazine hydrochloride for 4-bromophenylhydrazine hydrochloride and otherwise utilizing the procedure of Example 5, compound 2g (Table II) was prepared.

EXAMPLE 6 (Table II) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-6-methoxy-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2h)

A mixture of 0.05 mol of N-(3-oxocyclohexyl)acetamide, 0.05 mol of anhydrous NaOAc, 0.05 mol of 4-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride, and 155 ml of glacial HOAc was stirred for 1 hr at room temperature and then refluxed for 1 hr. The cooled reaction mixture was poured into H₂ O and the product triturated until solid. Filtration, drying, and recrystallization from ethanol gave the title compound, mp 191°-193°.

EXAMPLE 7 (Table II) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-7-methoxy-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2i)

A mixture of 0.05 mol of N-(3-oxocyclohexyl)acetamide and 0.05 mol of 3-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride in 50 ml of glacial HOAc was stirred for 2 hr at room temperature and then refluxed for 2 hr. The cooled reaction mixture was poured into H₂ O and the product triturated until solid. Filtration, drying, and recrystallization from ethanol gave the title compound, mp 192°-193°.

EXAMPLE 8 (Table II) N-(7-n-butyloxy-1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2j)

A mixture of 0.2 mol of 3-n-butyloxyphenylhydrazine, 0.2 mol of N-(3-oxocyclohexyl)acetamide, and 350 ml of glacial HOAc was stirred at room temperature for 3 hr and then refluxed for 2 hr. After pouring into 2.5 l of H₂ O and stirring overnight, the insoluble material had partly crystallized. The crystalline material was filtered, washed with H₂ O, and dried (23 g, Fraction A). The remaining insoluble semi-solid was taken up in EtOAc, washed with H₂ O, dried, and evaporated. The dark residue was triturated with Et₂ O and filtered (6.7 g, mp 181°-183°, Fraction B). Additional product was extracted from Fraction A by stirring with two 4 l. portions of Et₂ O. The combined extracts were evaporated and the resulting residue combined with Fraction B and recrystallized twice from Me₂ CO to yield 10.2 g of the title compound, mp 182°-184°.

EXAMPLE 9 (Table II) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2k)

A solution of 25.8 g (0.1 mol) of N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-7-methoxy-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide in 2 l. of CH₂ Cl₂ was stirred at -50° to -60° C. under N₂ while adding 101 g (0.4 mol) of BBr₃ dropwise during 15-30 min. Stirring was continued for 30 min at -55° C. and then 3 hr at room temperature. After cooling to -40° C., 600 ml of MeOH was cautiously added dropwise during 45 min. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature (ca. 1 hr) and then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in one l. of 1 N KOH, filtered from insolubles, and the cold filtrate was acidified (pH 3) with conc. HCl. The precipitate was filtered, washed with H₂ O, and recrystallized from i-PrOH to give the title compound, mp 245°-246°.

EXAMPLE 10 (Table II) N-(7-ethoxy-1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 2L)

A mixture of 0.02 mol of N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide, 0.022 mol of ethyl iodide, 0.022 mol of anhydrous K₂ CO₃, and 50 ml of Me₂ CO was stirred and refluxed for 48 hr. Sufficient CHCl₃ and H₂ O were added to the cooled reaction mixture to give two clear layers. The CHCl₃ layer was washed with 1 N NaOH, H₂ O, dried, evaporated, and the resulting solid residue was recrystallized from i-PrOH to give the title compound, mp 184°-186°.

By substituting n-propyl iodide, n-pentyl bromide, n-hexyl bromide, or benzyl bromide for ethyl iodide and otherwise utilizing the procedure of Example 10, compounds 2m, 2n, 2o, and 2p (Table II), respectively, were prepared.

EXAMPLE 11 (Table III) 2,3,4,9-Tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-2-amine hydrochloride (Compound 3a)

A mixture of 139.3 g (0.611 mol) of N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide, 402.6 g of powdered KOH, and 2 l. of n-BuOH was stirred and refluxed under N₂ for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with 2.4 l. of H₂ O, and stirred for 1 hr. The upper organic layer was separated and evaporated while the aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl₃ (3×750 ml). The extracts were combined with the solid evaporation residue and the resulting solution washed with H₂ O (3×750 ml) and dried. The granular solid remaining after evaporation of the CHCl₃ was triturated with 750 ml of Et₂ O. The bulk of the product was allowed to settle and the Et₂ O phase, which contained a small amount of amorphous insolubles, was decanted. This process was repeated with one-half the quantity of Et₂ O. Finally, the product was collected by filtration and dried to give 99.1 g of a light cream-tan solid, mp 151°-153°.

A solution of the free base in methanol was treated with an excess of hydrogen chloride. Addition of anhydrous ether precipitated the title compound, which, after cooling, was filtered and recrystallized, mp ca. 290° dec.

EXAMPLE 12 (Table III) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)formamide (Compound 3b)

A mixture of 8.90 g (0.048 mol) of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-2-amine and 65 ml of dry formamide was stirred and heated under N₂ for 5 hr at 95°-100° C. The cooled reaction mixture was poured into H₂ O, and the precipitated gum extracted with CHCl₃. The combined extracts were washed with 0.1 N HCl, 5% aqueous NaHCO₃, and H₂ O, and dried. Et₂ O-trituration of the residue remaining after evaporation of the CHCl₃ gave a tan solid, 8.58 g, mp 123°-126°. For analysis, it was necessary to dry the recrystallized (EtOH) sample at 120° (P₂ O₅, 0.02 mm, 20 hr), mp 169°-171°.

EXAMPLE 13 (Table III) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)propanamide (Compound 3c)

A solution of 0.05 mol of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-2-amine in 450 ml of CHCl₃ and 185 ml of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ was stirred vigorously at room temperature and treated dropwise during 30 min with a solution of 0.15 mol of propanoyl chloride in an equal volume of CHCl₃. After stirring vigorously for 5 hr, the CHCl₃ layer was separated, washed in succession with 10% aqueous K₂ CO₃, H₂ O, 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, H₂ O, and dried over anhydrous Na₂ SO₄. The residue remaining after evaporation of the CHCl₃ was recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give the title compound, mp 169°-170°.

By substituting pentanoyl chloride, ethyl chloroformate, or methyl chloroformate for propanoyl chloride and otherwise utilizing the procedure of Example 13, compounds 3d, 3e, and 3f (Table III), respectively, were prepared.

EXAMPLE 14 (Table III) Methyl(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)carbamic acid, ethyl ester (Compound 3g)

A solution of 0.05 mol of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-N-methyl-1H-carbazol-2-amine in 450 ml of CH₂ Cl₂ and 185 ml of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ was stirred vigorously at room temperature and treated dropwise during 30 min with a solution of 0.15 mol of ethyl chloroformate in an equal volume of CH₂ Cl₂. After stirring vigorously for 5 hr, the CH₂ Cl₂ layer was separated, washed in succession with 10% aqueous K₂ CO₃, H₂ O, 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, H₂ O, and dried over anhydrous Na₂ SO₄. The residue remaining after evaporation of the CH₂ Cl₂ was recrystallized from ethanol to give the title compound, mp 167°-168°.

EXAMPLE 15 (Table III) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)-N-methylacetamide (Compound 3h)

A mixture of 10.0 g (0.05 mol) of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-N-methyl-1H-carbazol-2-amine and 70 ml of acetic anhydride was heated at reflux until complete solution occurred (2-3 min). After standing overnight at room temperature and further cooling at 0°, the precipitated solid was filtered, washed first with small portions of cold acetic anhydride and then thoroughly with anhydrous ether. The crude product was recrystallized from ethanol to give the title compound, mp 215°-216°.

EXAMPLE 16 (Table III) N-ethyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-2-amine hydrochloride (Compound 3i)

A solution of 22.8 g (0.1 mol) of N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide in 500 ml of anhydrous THF was added dropwise during 1 hr to a stirred suspension of 18.95 g (0.5 mol) of LiAlH₄ in 400 ml of anhydrous THF. The reaction was carried out in a nitrogen atmosphere. After refluxing for 36 hr, the cold reaction mixture was carefully decomposed with aqueous NaOH. The inorganic salts which precipitated were filtered, washed with THF, and the combined filtrate and washings were evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was recrystallized twice from isopropanol to give the free base of the title compound, mp 170°-172°.

A warm solution of the free base in methanol was treated with excess 10% methanolic hydrogen chloride. A precipitate readily formed, which, after cooling, was filtered and recrystallized to yield the title compound, mp 263°-264°.

EXAMPLE 17 (Table III) 2,3,4,9-Tetrahydro-N-methyl-1H-carbazol-2-amine hydrochloride (Compound 3j)

A solution of 25.8 g (0.1 mol) of (1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)carbamic acid, ethyl ester in 150 ml of anhydrous THF was added dropwise during 1 hr to a stirred suspension of 15.2 g (0.4 mol) of LiAlH₄ in a mixture of 375 ml of anhydrous ether and 375 ml of anhydrous THF. The reaction was carried out in a nitrogen atmosphere. After refluxing for 16 hr, the cold reaction mixture was carefully decomposed with aqueous NaOH. The inorganic salts which precipitated were filtered, washed with THF, and the combined filtrate and washings were evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was recrystallized twice from isopropanol to give the free base of the title compound, mp 139°-140°.

A warm solution of the free base in ethanol was treated with excess 10% ethanolic hydrogen chloride. A precipitate readily formed which, after cooling, was filtered and recrystallized to yield the title compound, mp 252°-253°.

By substituting methyl(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)carbamic acid, ethyl ester for (1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)carbamic acid, ethyl ester and otherwise utilizing the procedure of Example 17, compound 3k (Table III) was prepared.

EXAMPLE 18 (Table III) N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide (Compound 3L)

A mixture of 0.1 mol of N-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide, 0.15 mol of powdered KOH, and 75 ml of DMSO was stirred under nitrogen for 2 hr at room temperature. Methyl iodide (0.15 moL) was added in one portion, and, after brief cooling to moderate the exothermic reaction, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The precipitate obtained by pouring the reaction mixture into excess water, was filtered, washed with water, and recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give the title compound, mp 171°-172°.

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR23##                                                                                            Example 1                                                                            Recrystn                                          No.                                                                               Y.sub.1                                                                              Y.sub.2                                                                          R.sub.1                                                                              R.sub.2                                                                           R.sub.3                                                                           Mol Ratio.sup.a                                                                      Solvent Mp, °C.                                                                      Formula                              __________________________________________________________________________     1a H     H COMe  H  H  1     EtOH    245-247                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.18 N.sub.2                                                      O.HCl                                1b 6-F   H COMe  H  H  2     i-PrOH  242-244                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.17 FN.sub.2                                                     O.HCl                                1c 6-Cl  H COMe  H  H  1.5   MeOH    253-254                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.17 ClN.sub.2                                                    O.HCl                                1d 6-Br  H COMe  H  H  1     95% EtOH                                                                               243-244                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.17 BrN.sub.2                                                    O.HCl                                1e 6-Me  H COMe  H  H  1     EtOH    232-233                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.HCl                                1f 6-MeO H COMe  H  H  1     95% EtOH                                                                               240-241                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2.HCl                          1g 7-HO  H COMe  H  H  1     EtOHH.sub.2 O                                                                          284-285                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.18 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2.HCl                          1h 7-MeO H COMe  H  H  1     H.sub.2 O                                                                              253-254                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2.HCl                          1i 7-EtO H COMe  H  H  1     i-PrOH  196-198                                                                             C.sub.16 H.sub.22 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2                              1j 7-n-PrO                                                                              H COMe  H  H  1     i-PrOH  190-192                                                                             C.sub.17 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2                              1k 7-n-BuO                                                                              H COMe  H  H  1     i-PrOH  174-176                                                                             C.sub.18 H.sub.26 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2                              1L 7-n-PentO                                                                            H COMe  H  H  1     EtOH    190-191                                                                             C.sub.19 H.sub.28 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2                              1m 7-n-HexO                                                                             H COMe  H  H  1     EtOH    197-199                                                                             C.sub.20 H.sub.30 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2                              1n 7-PhCH.sub.2 O                                                                       H COMe  H  H  1     i-PrOH  183-184                                                                             C.sub.21 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2                              1o H     H COMe  H  Me 1     i-PrOH  190-191                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.20 N.sub.2 O          1p H     H CHO   H  H  1.1   MeOH    210-212                                                                             C.sub.13 H.sub.16 N.sub.2                                                      O.HCl                                1q H     H COEt  H  H  1.5   EtOH    235-236                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.HCl                                1r H     H COBun H  H  1.5   i-PrOH  184-185                                                                             C.sub.17 H.sub.24 N.sub.2 O          1s H     H CO.sub.2 Et                                                                          H  H  1.5   EtOHEt.sub.2 O                                                                         147-149                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2.HCl                          1t H     H CO.sub.2 Me                                                                          H  H  1.5   MeOHEt.sub.2 O                                                                         204-205                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.18 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2.HCL                          1u H     H H     H  H  2     MeOH    304-306                                                                             C.sub.12 H.sub.16 N.sub.2.2HCl       1v H     H Me    H  H  5     MeOH    275-277                                                                             C.sub.13 H.sub.18 N.sub.2.2HCl       1w H     H Et    H  H  5     MeOH    273-275                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.20 N.sub.2.2HCl       1x H     H Me    Me H  10    MeOHEt.sub.2 O                                                                         243-245                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.20 N.sub.2.2HCl       1y H     H COMe  H  Et --    EtOAcC.sub.6 H.sub.12                                                                  150-151                                                                             C.sub.16 H.sub.22 N.sub.2            __________________________________________________________________________                                               O                                     .sup.a mol(s) NaBH.sub.3 CN/mol substrate                                

                                      TABLE II                                     __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR24##                                                                                      Recrystn                                                      No.                                                                               Y.sub.1                                                                              Y.sub.2                                                                           Example                                                                             Solvent  Mp, °C.                                                                      Formula                                         __________________________________________________________________________     2a H     H  3    Me.sub.2 CO                                                                             208-209                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 O                     2b 6-F   H  4    EtOH     209-210                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.15 FN.sub.2 O                    2c 6-Cl  H  4    Me.sub.2 COCHCl.sub.3                                                                   207-208                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.15 ClN.sub.2 O                   2d 6-Br  H  5    EtOH     210-211                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.15 BrN.sub.2 O                   2e 8-F   H  4    EtOAc    209-212                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.15 FN.sub.2 O                    2f 5-Cl  7-Cl                                                                              4    EtOH     232-234                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.14 Cl.sub.2 N.sub.2 O            2g 6-Me  H  5    EtOH     210-212                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 O                     2h 6-MeO H  6    EtOH     191-193                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 O.sub. 2              2i 7-MeO H  7    EtOH     192-193                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               2j 7-n-BuO                                                                              H  8    Me.sub.2 CO                                                                             182-184                                                                             C.sub.18 H.sub.24 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               2k 7-HO  H  9    i-PrOH   245-246                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               2L 7-EtO H  10   i-PrOH   184-186                                                                             C.sub.16 H.sub.20 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               2m 7-n-PrO                                                                              H  10   i-PrOH   172-174                                                                             C.sub.17 H.sub.22 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               2n 7-n-PentO                                                                            H  10   i-PrOH   181-182                                                                             C.sub.19 H.sub.26 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               2o 7-n-HexO                                                                             H  10   i-PrOH   177-178                                                                             C.sub.20 H.sub.28 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               2p 7-PhCH.sub.2 O                                                                       H  10   i-PrOH   187-189                                                                             C.sub.21 H.sub.22 N.sub.2 O.sub.2               __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE III                                    __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR25##                                                                                         Recrystn                                                   No.                                                                               R.sub.1                                                                              R.sub.2                                                                           R.sub.3                                                                           Example                                                                             Solvent Mp, °C.                                                                      Formula                                       __________________________________________________________________________     3a H     H  H  11   aq EtOH ca. 290 d                                                                           C.sub.12 H.sub.14 N.sub.2.HCl                 3b CHO   H  H  12   EtOH    169-171                                                                             C.sub.13 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 O                   3c COEt  H  H  13   EtOAc   169-170                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 O                   3d COBun H  H  13   EtOAc   149-154                                                                             C.sub.17 H.sub.22 N.sub.2 O                   3e CO.sub.2 Et                                                                          H  H  13   EtOH    164-165                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 O.sub.2             3f CO.sub.2 Me                                                                          H  H  13   MeOH    160-162                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 O.sub.2             3g CO.sub.2 Et                                                                          Me H  14   EtOH    167-168                                                                             C.sub.16 H.sub.20 N.sub.2 O.sub.2             3h COMe  Me H  15   EtOH    215- 216                                                                            C.sub.15 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 O                   3i Et    H  H  16   aq MeOH 263-264                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.18 N.sub.2.HCl                 3j Me    H  H  17   aq EtOH 252-253                                                                             C.sub.13 H.sub.16 N.sub.2.HCl                 3k Me    Me H  17   EtOHi-PrOH                                                                             200-201                                                                             C.sub.14 H.sub.18 N.sub.2.HCl                 3L COMe  H  Me 18   EtOAc   171-172                                                                             C.sub.15 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 O                   __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE IV                                                         ______________________________________                                         Antagonism of Tetrabenazine-Induced Depression                                 In Mice Orally at 1 Hour Post-Drug                                                        ED.sub.50 (mg/kg) For Prevention of                                 Compound No. Ptosis     Exploratory Loss                                       ______________________________________                                         1a           0.70       2.3                                                    1b           2.7        4.2                                                    1c           3.3        14.0                                                   1d           2.1        3.3                                                    1e           16         34                                                     1f           27         27                                                     1g           8.1        15.6                                                   1h           2.2        4.2                                                    1i           8.9        12.7                                                   1j           0.79       0.99                                                   1k           0.22       0.35                                                   1L           2.0        2.0                                                    1m           27         27                                                     1n           6.5        7.2                                                    1o           3.7        27                                                     1p           21         21                                                     1q           1.7        18                                                     1r           6.5        7.5                                                    1s           4.0        4.0                                                    1t           5.2        9.7                                                    1u           0.57       0.75                                                   1v           2.4        3.0                                                    1w           68         96                                                     1x           37         41                                                     1y           4.7        5.2                                                    2a           1.1        2.4                                                    2b           0.70       2.4                                                    2c           2.4        6.5                                                    2d           10.0       17.4                                                   2e           14.0       19.7                                                   2f           3.3        4.7                                                    2g           3.0        7.2                                                    2h           5.8        6.5                                                    2i           0.80       0.90                                                   2j           0.51       0.57                                                   2k           >125       >125                                                   2L           2          2                                                      2m           0.6        0.6                                                    2n           2.7        4.3                                                    2o           14.0       12.0                                                   2p           6.5        6.5                                                    3a           4.0        8.0                                                    3b           84         >125                                                   3c           67         >81                                                    3d           >81        >81                                                    3e           40         >81                                                    3f           >81        >81                                                    3g           7.8        27                                                     3h           >125       >125                                                   3i           27         27                                                     3j           12         32                                                     3k           11.4       39                                                     3L           9.0        11.2                                                   amitriptyline                                                                               1.2        2.6                                                    ______________________________________                                     

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the formula ##STR26## wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, or ##STR27## where R is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R₂ is hydrogen or methyl;R₃ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; Y₁ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, hydroxy, methyl, benzyloxy or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy; Y₂ is hydrogen or chlorine; with the proviso that Y₂ can be chlorine only when Y₁ is chlorine;or a pharmaceutically suitable salt thereof.
 2. A compound of claim 1 wherein R₂ is hydrogen.
 3. A compound of claim 1 wherein Y₁ is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or bromine or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy.
 4. A compound of claim 1 wherein Y₂ is hydrogen.
 5. A compound of claim 1 wherein R₂ is hydrogen, Y₁ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy and Y₂ is hydrogen.
 6. The compound of claim 1 which is cis-N-(1,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)acetamide.
 7. The compound of claim 1 which is cis-N-methyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-2-amine.
 8. The compound of claim 1 which is cis-N-(1,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-2H-carbazol-2-yl)propanamide.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 1. 10. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 2. 11. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 3. 12. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 4. 13. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 5. 14. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 6. 15. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 7. 16. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a suitable pharmaceutical carrier and an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 8. 17. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 1. 18. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 2. 19. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 3. 20. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 4. 21. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 5. 22. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 6. 23. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 7. 24. A method of alleviating depression in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective antidepressant amount of a compound of claim
 8. 